In the fall of 1955, the hills of Highland County came alive once again with the color, clatter, and community spirit of the annual Highland County Fair. With a unanimous vote from the local civic clubs—Stonewall Ruritans, Monterey Lions, Blue Grass Ruritans, and the newly added Bolar Ruritans—it was full steam ahead for the September 1 – 3 festivities.
The fair was still young—only in its fourth year—but it had already made quite a name for itself across the state. According to The Highland Recorder, the event had earned “much favorable publicity,” with livestock winners even advancing to state-level competitions. Not bad for a fair born in the mountains just a few years prior!
Big Names and Bigger Plans
A dream team of organizers kept the wheels turning: E.C. Devericks (President), H.H. Terry (Vice President), Leslie Moyers (Secretary), and Miss Betty Hansel (Treasurer) were elected as fair officers.
Terry Hicks led the charge as general manager, and H.C. Lunsford Jr. stepped in as his right-hand. A full slate of directors, including names like Leonard Bratton, Virginia Rubush, and Ralph Lohr, ensured every tent, parade float, and ribbon had its place.
They were thinking big—talks of incorporating the fair and securing insurance showed that this wasn’t just a weekend affair anymore. It was becoming a Highland County institution.
Parade Day in Monterey
The 1955 parade kicked off from the former Monterey High School (now The Highland Center) and marched down Spruce Street, drawing folks from every holler and hilltop. Floats, bands, and smiling majorettes filled the streets. The Franklin High School marching band took home first prize, with Monterey High School hot on their heels. Meanwhile, the Monterey Garden Club claimed top honors for their float, and Sam’s Super Market snagged second place.
A Paw-sitively Adorable Addition
This year brought something new — and four-legged — to the fair: the first-ever Dog Show! Held the week before the fair, the show featured categories like working dogs, hunting dogs, toy dogs, and even “most unusual dog.” Topping the competition? Barbara Bolling and her champion pooch, who strutted off with the Champion of Show title.
Livestock, Ducklings, and a Dancing Horse
Back at the fairgrounds, agriculture exhibits expanded to include ducks and geese, adding more quacks and waddles to the barnyard buzz. George Allen from VPI was brought in as the livestock judge, ensuring unbiased evaluations.
The horse show on Friday was a crowd favorite, especially when Pete Jones took center ring with his trick horse “Frosty Boy.” (Yes, you read that right—a dancing, prancing, applause-worthy steed!) There was only one hiccup: Harper Terry suffered an ankle injury when his horse took a tumble, but it was the only accident reported during the entire event.
Highland’s Inaugural Fair Rainout
Mother Nature reminded everyone who’s boss on Saturday night with a rainstorm that turned the fairgrounds to mush. (Those of us today can certainly relate, can’t we? All of us have memories of flooded-out fairs!) The Jousting Tournament was cut short, and the fireworks — set to close the fair with a bang — were sadly rained out. But Highlanders are nothing if not resilient, and even the mud couldn’t wash away the memories made that weekend.
In the End…
The 1955 Highland County Fair may have closed with soggy shoes and damp jackets, but it also brought music, laughter, livestock, and a loyal dog or two. From floats on Main Street to Frosty Boy’s fancy footwork, it was a showcase of small-town pride at its best.